SILKWORMS. 109 



different periods of their existence, they experience dis- 

 eases which are frequently produced by that dangerous 

 practice. 



When the worms are hatched, a bed of chopped straw 

 must be placed on a hurdle, where are likewise placed one 

 or two jujube fruits, cooked in the ashes. Before the 

 hatching of the silk worms, the leaves covered with eggs 

 must be weighed. After the hatching, the newly hatched 

 worms must be spread on the chopped straw, distribute 

 them in an equal manner, and very distant from one ano- 

 ther. 



When the worms are all hatched, the empty leaves must 

 be weighed, and the exact quantity of worms to be raised 

 will be known. 



If the rules we have just laid down are faithfully fol- 

 lowed, not one silk worm out of a hundred will be lost. 



We see persons, at the present day, who deposite on a 

 single mat, worms proceeding from one or two ounces of 

 eggs ; they are heaped up, and pressed against one another. 

 The infallible result is, that they lose a great number of silk 

 worms. 



When a person has newly hatched silk worms, the pro- 

 ceeds of three ounces of eggs, it is necessary to spread them 

 in an equal manner upon a large hurdle. Above all, do 

 not raise too great a number of silk worms, for, if your 

 means only permit you to nourish the silk worms proceeding 

 from three ounces of eggs, and, from cupidity, you attempt 

 to raise the worms of four ounces of eggs, you will soon feel 

 the want of space, hurdles, laborers, and fuel. In this man- 

 ner you will lose, at the same time, your silk worms, and 

 the expenses incurred in that unprofitable attempt. 



